loyalty; allegiance; faithfulness
A somewhat formal noun or adjectival noun describing steadfast loyalty and devotion, often to a person, cause, or country.
He served his lord with unwavering loyalty.
He was known as a loyal retainer.
Composed of 忠 (loyalty) and 順 (obedience, order). The combination conveys loyal obedience. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji components reflect the meaning.